"I think our guys understand how to tackle the way we want them to tackle," says Falcons linebackers Jeff Ulbrich.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer

SportsBusiness Journal names Falcons owner Arthur Blank the Sports Executive of the Year. Blank was the mastermind behind the $1.5 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium that will host Super Bowl LIII. ``We're humbled and honored by this recognition,'' Blank said after receiving the honor. ``It's an honor for all our businesses, our leadership team, and our associates to be recognized in this way.'' Blank, the co-founder of Home Depot, now has a net worth of $4.1 billion with franchises in the NFL (Falcons) and the MLS (Atlanta United).

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer

Falcons defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel believes his players have the proper tacking technique instilled in them to avoid penalties, ejections possible from the NFL's crackdown on leading with the head.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer

Falcons coach Dan Quinn said he's spoken to star WR Julio Jones regularly with Jones choosing not to attend voluntary OTAs this week or the beginning of offseason workouts. Quinn expects Jones back for mandatory minicamp June 12-14, although no set timetable has been reached. Jones is seeking a pay raise with three years left on his deal and averaging just over $14 million over the duration of the deal. Quinn understands the contractual side of things. ``I definitely do. I think this time of year, and as business grows around the NFL, I think that's pretty common for a lot of players to discuss that and wonder where that's at.''

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Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer

Falcons coach Dan Quinn weighs in on the topic of Julio Jones being absent from team activities while seeking a pay raise. Quinn expects Jones back for mandatory minicamp though no set timetable was reached.

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Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer

Matt Ryan working without top receiver Julio Jones during the second day of Falcons' OTAs on Tuesday. The team hasn't expressed too much concern about Jones being absent from this voluntary part of the offseason program despite Jones wanting a boost in pay.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer

Early word this morning is Julio Jones ``hasn't been seen'' as the Falcons have started organized team activities, as expected. Once source said ``I doubt he shows up'' as Jones is looking for a pay raise with three years and $34.45 million left on his deal. General manager Thomas Dimitroff told ESPN a couple weeks ago the team was in ``a good place'' with Jones despite the star being absent from voluntary offseason workouts. The next mandatory activity is veteran minicamp, June 12-14.

Terrell McClain is expected to step into the Falcons' defensive rotation and compete for a starting role at the 3 technique alongside nose tackle Grady Jarrett.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer

DT Terrell McClain expected to sign a one-year with the Falcons, according to source. McClain visited the Falcons today. Would fit immediately into the rotation, likely as the 3 technique. Falcons needed to fill a void with Dontari Poe signing with the Carolina Panthers.

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Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer

Falcons first round pick Calvin Ridley looked pretty fluid on the first day of rookie minicamp despite one noticeable drop. He ran routes smoothly and used full extension to catches passes. He also drew one pass interference although he should have caught the ball.

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Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer

Free-agent defensive tackle Terrell McClain (6-2, 302) is in Atlanta today visiting with the Falcons, according to a source. McClain came to Atlanta from a visit with the Cowboys. Falcons very interested in signing McClain because he fits the system and is an up-field defensive tackle with quickness who would fit at the 3 technique. McClain also is close friends with Falcons defensive lineman Jack Crawford from their days together in Dallas. McClain could work well alongside nose tackle Grady Jarrett. McClain, 29, has played with the Redskins, Cowboys, Texans, Patriots, and Panthers.

Hoping to recover from last year's playoff loss to the Eagles, the Falcons have added some high-octane offensive weapons.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer

Matt Ryan to Wendi Nix on ESPN's NFL Live today about the addition of wide receiver Calvin Ridley, the first-round pick from Alabama: ``I think he'll fit in great. One, he's an excellent player. We've gotten to see him play plenty. I mean, Alabama was on TV every week. ... I think he's a great route-runner. I think he'll fit in well with the guys that we have. Obviously, we have Julio [Jones] on one side. You have Mohamed Sanu who can play outside and inside. And I think Calvin will be a nice change-up to those two guys and really give us some diversity at that position to be able to line up in some three-wide receivers-sets and stretch the defense both vertically and horizontally pretty well.''

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Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer

Matt Ryan to Wendi Nix on ESPN's NFL Live about Julio Jones erasing Falcons' photos from his social media: ``I don't think much of it. I think that, No. 1, he's been the best teammate that you could ask for in the time I've been able to play with him. He works extremely hard. He's unbelievably talented. He's extremely unselfish. And nobody takes better care of themselves or has themselves better prepared to play than he does. We're fortunate to have him as a part of this organization, for sure.'' The Falcons have expressed little concern, publicly, about Jones being absent from voluntary offseason workouts. There have been whispers about Jones wanting to become the league's highest paid receiver after seeing other top receivers such as Antonio Brown and Mike Evans surpass him in average per year. Ryan, who just signed a five-year extension worth $30 million per year, is now the league's highest paid player.